UNION COUNTY, N.C. -- Across the Charlotte area, dozens of high school football teams are training for hours in the brutal temperatures before the season starts.

  • Novant Health provides trainers to nearly 20 schools
  • Trainers track heat and take care of injuries
  • There are also strict guidelines for how players can practice in the heat

Novant Health provides an athletic trainer to work with players to nearly 20 schools in Union, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Cabarrus and Davidson counties.

In addition to taking care of injuries, these trainers are keeping a close eye on the heat and tracking the “WetBulb Globe Temperature.”

"Measures the sun direct rays with clouds, wind, shade things like that and takes your heat humidity in with the heat stress and tells us how hard it would be on the body, working and exercising in those conditions,” said Ashley Lake, Novant Health trainer at Metrolina Christian Academy.

Coaches say they've also seen a difference in their players after working these trainers. Head football coach at Metrolina Christian Academy Thomas Langley said of his players are becoming more aware about their injuries

"We talk to our players a lot about proper hydration, proper eating, proper rest they need to get which all helps their bodies perform at the highest level possible,” said Langley.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association also outlines strict guidelines for when and how players can practice in the heat.

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